Free Job Training in Rhode Island
2026 directory • Programs and contacts reviewed against current Rhode Island sources in September 2026
Important: “free” does not mean every person qualifies for every program. Some programs are completely free to admitted participants; others are free only for eligible participants through WIOA, Youth WIOA, an apprenticeship, or another funding source. Always confirm current eligibility, start dates, fees, credentials, transportation assistance and job-placement support before enrolling.
1. Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (DLT) – American Job Centers
Area
Statewide; Providence, West Warwick, Woonsocket
Training / services
Free job coaching, career planning, resume/interview help, job-search assistance, and connections to free or low-cost training. Job coaches can determine eligibility for WIOA-funded training, with Individual Training Accounts of up to $6,800 for eligible ETPL programs.
Contact
Providence AJC / Sharalyn Almanzar, Manager
Phone
(401) 680-5101
Email / contact
DLT Career Services
Website
https://dlt.ri.gov/career-services
2. The netWORKri / West Warwick American Job Center
Area
West Warwick – 1330 Main St.
Training / services
Free in-person and virtual career services, including job coaching, resume and interview assistance, career planning, and referrals to free or low-cost training.
Contact
Lori Turchetta, Manager
Phone
(401) 462-4100
Email / contact
DLT / Career Center
Website
https://dlt.ri.gov/career-services
3. JARC Rhode Island
Area
Providence – 50 Sims Ave.
Training / services
Free hands-on workforce training for adults, particularly manufacturing and skilled-trade pathways, with career guidance and employment support.
Contact
JARC Rhode Island
Phone
(401) 343-0228
Email / contact
General training inquiries
Website
https://www.jarc-rhodeisland.org/
4. We Make RI
Area
Cranston – 200 1st Ave.
Training / services
Hands-on manufacturing and workforce training, including practical programs and job-placement support for unemployed or underemployed Rhode Islanders. Program eligibility and current offerings vary.
Contact
General training / admissions
Phone
(401) 232-0077
Email / contact
General contact
Website
5. Residential Construction Workforce Partnership (RCWP)
Area
Coventry – 599 Arnold Rd.
Training / services
Training and employment pathways into residential construction and the shelter industry. Training is connected with job assistance and employer connections.
Contact
General training inquiries
Phone
(401) 438-7411
Email / contact
General contact
Website
6. Building Futures
Area
Providence
Training / services
Registered Apprenticeship pathways into building and construction trades. Apprenticeships allow participants to learn while working and earning wages; individual program requirements vary.
Contact
General apprenticeship inquiries
Phone
(401) 919-5919
Email / contact
General contact
Website
https://buildingfuturesri.org/
7. Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Area
Providence / statewide
Training / services
Career-readiness and workforce programs, including free training opportunities and employer connections. Current programs include career-readiness workshops and the Rhode Island Makers Training Program (Welding).
Contact
General program inquiries
Phone
(401) 680-5960
Email / contact
General contact
Website
8. Tri-County Community Action Agency – Employment & Training
Area
North Providence / North Kingstown / Westerly
Training / services
Career-center services, job placement, occupational training and credential pathways. Can connect eligible participants with workforce training resources.
Contact
Justin Waranis, Employment & Training Director
Phone
(401) 519-1929 (North Providence)
Email / contact
jwaranis@tricountyri.org
Website
9. Community Action Program – CCAP Learn to Earn
Area
Cranston / Providence / Kent County / Pawtucket
Training / services
Free education, job training, work-readiness workshops and job-placement assistance for eligible youth ages 14–24; case-management support is included.
Contact
Cranston Skills & Youth Center
Phone
(401) 562-8325
Email / contact
General youth workforce inquiries
Website
10. East Bay Community Action Program – Youth WIOA
Area
East Providence / Newport
Training / services
Youth WIOA services can include education and occupational skills training, work experience, career guidance and employment support.
Contact
Angela Downing, Senior Director of Workforce Development & Social Services
Phone
(401) 437-1000 ext. 1191 (East Providence)
Email / contact
adowning@ebcap.org
Website
11. Community Care Alliance – Youth WIOA
Area
Woonsocket
Training / services
Youth WIOA education, career and occupational training support, including guidance and employment pathways for eligible young people.
Contact
Stump Evans, Director of Employment, Education and Support Services
Phone
(401) 235-7000
Email / contact
sevans@communitycareri.org
Website
https://www.communitycareri.org/
12. Foster Forward – Youth WIOA Career Pathways
Area
East Providence
Training / services
Youth WIOA career-pathway services, including training, employment preparation and support for eligible youth.
Contact
Bernadette Tavares, Director of Career Pathways
Phone
(401) 438-3900 ext. 120
Email / contact
bernadette.tavares@fosterforward.net
Website
Area
Statewide
Training / services
Eligible unemployed or underemployed Rhode Islanders may qualify for funding toward approved training on the Eligible Training Provider List; DLT says eligible participants may receive up to $6,800.
Contact
DLT Job Coach
13. Saint Elizabeth Community Workforce Development Center
Area
Warwick – 2350 Post Rd., Suite 101
Training / services
Healthcare workforce training with a CNA training pipeline; current offerings and eligibility should be confirmed directly with the program.
Contact
Workforce Development Center
Phone
(401) 773-7494
Email / contact
General program inquiries
Website
https://www.stelizabethcommunity.org/
14. RI Department of Labor & Training – Real Jobs RI
Area
Statewide
Training / services
Employer-driven training partnerships. DLT states that Real Jobs RI training is completely free to admitted participants; current recruiting programs are posted through DLT.
Contact
Real Jobs RI
Phone
(401) 462-8000 (DLT main line)
Email / contact
dlt.realjobs@dlt.ri.gov
Website
https://dlt.ri.gov/free-or-reduced-cost-training-programs
15. RI Department of Labor & Training – Registered Apprenticeships
Area
Statewide
Training / services
Earn-while-you-learn pathways in construction, healthcare, manufacturing and other fields. Funding may be available for classroom and on-the-job training; program costs vary.
Contact
DLT Job Coach / Apprenticeship resources
Phone
(401) 462-8000 (DLT main line)
Email / contact
Contact through DLT
Website
https://dlt.ri.gov/free-or-reduced-cost-training-programs
16. RI Department of Labor & Training – WIOA / ETPL Training
Phone
(401) 462-8000
Email / contact
Contact through DLT
Website
https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/jobseeker-resources/how-does-free-or-reduced-cost-job-training-work
17. RI Office of Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation
Area
Statewide
Training / services
Public vocational-rehabilitation services for eligible people whose physical, intellectual or emotional impairment is a substantial barrier to employment; services can help prepare for, obtain and retain employment.
Contact
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Phone
(401) 421-7005
Email / contact
711 RI Relay
Website
https://ors.ri.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-program
18. RI Department of Education – Paraprofessional Pre-Employment Training
Area
Statewide / providers vary
Training / services
Pre-employment training for people interested in becoming Rhode Island paraprofessionals. Training schedules and fees vary by provider, so confirm current availability and cost.
Contact
RI Department of Education / individual provider
Phone
(401) 222-4600 (RIDE main)
Email / contact
Contact individual provider
Website
https://ride.ri.gov/teachers-administrators/other-tools-information/paraprofessionals
How to start
For most adults, the easiest first step is a free appointment with an RI DLT Job Coach. DLT says job coaches can connect jobseekers with free or reduced-cost training, including Real Jobs RI, WIOA/ETPL-funded training and Registered Apprenticeships. American Job Centers are open to the public and services can also be provided virtually.
DLT Career Centers: Providence — 50 Sims Ave., (401) 680-5101; West Warwick — 1330 Main St., (401) 462-4100; Woonsocket — 219 Pond St., (401) 235-1201.
Sources: Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Rhode Island Department of Education, RI Office of Rehabilitation Services, Governor's Workforce Board, and current program/organization information.